We are currently recruiting lab members at all levels now! Apply here.
Group Leader
Rui Huang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph
Postdoctoral fellow, University of Toronto, Molecular Genetics, lab of Dr. Lewis Kay
PhD, University of Michigan, Chemistry, lab of Dr. Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy
BSc, Peking University, China, Chemical Biology
Graduate students
Baylie Kalnitsky
MSc, University of Guelph, 2022-current
BSc, University of Guelph, 2017-2021
I have always felt a natural pull towards academia as a means to gain further understanding of the world around me. My interests in high school led me to pursue a BSc in Biomedical Toxicology and Chemistry at UofG. During my undergrad, I discovered that my academic passions lay at the intersection of molecular biology and biophysical organic chemistry. I am now pursuing an MSc in Chemistry and Toxicology where my research will focus on various AAA+ proteins and their cofactors, using techniques like plasmid design and transformation, site-directed mutagenesis, column chromatography, enzyme assay, and NMR. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, skiing, playing my ukulele, watching crime dramas, and relaxing with my cat Wynona.
Nicole Dcosta
MSc, University of Guelph, 2023-current
BSc, University of Guelph, 2015-2019
My interest in science began in high school, where I quickly called Biology and Chemistry my favourite subjects, as it involved laboratory experiments and challenged my ability to critically think and ask difficult questions. I knew I wanted to continue my studies in science because of the passion I developed towards it and so I decided to pursue my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. Having graduated from University in 2019, I worked as a Quality Control Chemist for three years at a pharmaceutical company called Bio Agri Mix, which involved the physical and chemical testing of samples for release. After working for three years, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemistry as I realized having a Master’s degree is crucial to grow in the Science field. In my free time, I like to do some baking, card making and spending time with my family.
Undergraduate students
Peter Kim
BSc, University of Guelph, 2018-current
My name is Peter and I am in the midst of completing my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Toxicology. My passion for cellular biology and organic chemistry led me to discover Dr. Huang’s lab, which utilizes NMR to study proteins. I was fortunate enough to be selected as a Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) for Dr. Huang, allowing me to continue my involvement in the lab and embark on a research project investigating the protein-protein interaction between the proteins p97 and p47. My ultimate goal is to pursue a graduate degree in either medicine or chemistry and engage in drug research and development. In my leisure time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing, camping, golfing, and biking.
Adam McMahon
BSc, University of Guelph, 2017-current
My name is Adam, and I am a fourth year Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry student, minoring in Mathematics. I have developed a passion for biochemistry. Under the direction of Dr. Huang, I will study the interaction between the SIM and SEP domains of protein p47 for my chemistry research project. Outside of school, I enjoy running and spending time with friends and family, as well as my golden retriever, Mabel. I am also a member of the University of Guelph First Response Team.
Megan Black
BSc, University of Guelph
My name is Megan Black and I am in my fourth year, majoring in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Co-op). I am currently doing my fourth year research project with Professor Huang, investigating the mitochondrial enzyme YME1L and how its domains communicate. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing hide and seek with my two dogs, Reese and Talia, and snuggling up with my kitties, Lady and Morris.
Simrah Waseem
BSc, University of Guelph
My name is Simrah Waseem and I am in my fourth year of biomedical science. I started out as a URA student in the summer of 2022, and now I am doing my fourth-year research project. The main focus of my research has been AAA+ proteins, specifically the ATP-dependent metalloprotease YME1L. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going on walks, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Alumni
- Nicole Chen, MSc, University of Guelph, Chemistry.
- Victoria Muir, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student; Current: MSc student in McMaster University.
- Chor Kwan Lam, Master of Bioinformatics, Capping Project, University of Guelph.
- Sabrina Heddokheel, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student.
- Jill Yuen, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student.
- Husain Al-Jaberi, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student; Current: graduate study in Western Ontario University.
- Aaron Ovadia, BSc, University of Guelph, 4th year undergrad research student; Current: medical school student.
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